(GILBERT, Ariz.) Senior Keon Talgo recorded 27 points as Gilbert Christian took down No. 11 Coolidge 67-52 in 3A boys' basketball action at home on Wednesday. The fifth-ranked Knights move to 7-3 (2-0 3A South Central) overall with the win.
Coolidge sits at 7-3 (0-1) on the year.
The Knights started the contest strong, with senior Lopemi Omole winning the tip-off, and junior Logan Lucero crashing the boards to secure a big offensive rebound. Lucero's effort paid off, giving the Knights an early edge, as junior Jace Olson then found Omole who finished for the 'and-1' bucket.
The second sequence was déjà vu as Olson took his defender off the drive, again hitting Omole open in the paint for the easy score.
In the second quarter, the Knights amped up the defensive effort, holding the Bears to just four points before heading into the locker room for the half.
Talgo caught fire in the third and stayed hot for the remainder of the contest, tallying 20 of his 27 in the final 16 minutes.
Gilbert Christian kept its foot on the pedal all evening, and didn't look back, cruising to post its second-straight regional victory.
"We had a strong defensive start tonight," Head Coach Jason Pasquariello said. "It was great to have Caleb back after his injury. I think he gave us some added energy. Jace started strong, and with Caleb running the floor it was a solid first half. I thought we got a little stagnant defensively in the third, and Coolidge started hitting. Keon had a strong second half, which helped us there. He can catch fire so quickly. We are at our best when we force difficult shots and then finish with rebounds. No rest for us, as we travel to Florence tomorrow. They are a tough team who is playing well. We will need to bring the same energy and focus against if we want to go in and grab a road win."
Omole finished with a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double. Olson was also a big contributor for GCHS, posting 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a block, on the day. Senior Caleb Schinker was great in his return, with 8 points and 3 rebounds for the Knights.
Lucero's six assists led all players.
A road trip to Florence is next on the docket for Gilbert Christian. The Knights will take on the Gophers on Thursday at 7:00pm.
-GO KNIGHTS-
